5 Private Islands for Your Very Own Paradise

Why buy someone else’s vision of the perfect getaway? Build your own

There’s nothing quite like settling into a five-star suite at a world-class hotel. The service, the amenities, the dining, the nightlife — certain experiences are beyond compare, and there are countless properties that offer concierge living in any metropolis of your choosing.

But sometimes you want to get away from it all. Even the most exclusive resort in the most beautiful location can still at times feel like…well, a hotel.

Fortunately, there’s a booming market in private islands. In many far-flung corners of the world, elites developers are building deluxe properties ready for immediate occupancy.

But what of those bold buyers who want to build their own visions of paradise from whole cloth? For them, untouched private islands are the dream destination.

Here, Mansion Global presents five islands that are currently on the market — and ready for the right owners to create their own private edens.

Private Islands on the Market

British Virgin Islands

British Virgin Islands Sotheby’s International Realty

PRICE: Upon request

Island living has many advantages. But buying a blank slate of land in the middle of the Caribbean can mean surviving without certain luxuries — at least during development. Modern plumbing, for example, or a good restaurant. For the best of both worlds, there’s Big Scrub: 170 acres of prime Caribbean real estate just off the northeast coast of Tortola, and ready for anything. Build your island paradise from scratch while still enjoying the benefits of neighboring Little Scrub island, home to a world-class resort and marina, health club, bars and even a gourmet market.

Described as a “once in a lifetime opportunity,” untouched Lignum Vitae Cay sits at the southern end of the Exuma Cay chain in the Bahamas. The area is famous for more than just its fishing, sailing and diving; recent years have seen this 365-island archipelago find favor among sun-seeking celebs including Johnny Depp, Tyler Perry and Faith Hill. This 75-acre private island is primed to become the latest addition to this A-lister paradise.

Not looking for sandy beaches and turquoise waters? Head north to Stone Island in Tofino, a remote but popular district along Vancouver Island’s west coast. To enjoy a truly rustic life on this 35-acre island, a two-bedroom cabin sits waiting among the fruit trees, kiwis and garden beds — but there’s plenty room to expand.

In recent years, the once-sleepy Placencia, located off Belize’s southeastern coast, has gone from low-key expat town to the country’s second-most popular destination. A short boat ride to the east sits Moho Caye, a picture-perfect eight-acre island known locally as Wild Orchid Caye. Whether you’re looking to build an eco-friendly bungalow for ultimate privacy or a multi-million-dollar resort-style getaway, Moho Caye is nothing if not welcoming.

Finally, to enjoy a private-island Caribbean getaway without leaving the U.S., hop a quick flight to Puerto Rico. On this 25-acre escape, the existing three-bed, two-bath wood cabin was designed to sit harmoniously alongside the island’s beach, jungle and mangroves. This is the only private island off Puerto Rico’s southern Salinas coast, and it’s just minutes from the mainland.